15 reviews
A nice try...
Now, I sat down to watch the 2023 horror movie "The Piper" solely because it was a horror movie that I hadn't already seen, much less actually being familiar with.
But what a surprise I was in for here, I didn't know that the movie was starring Julian Sands. So when he showed up on the screen, imagine my surprise to see my favorite actor popping up on the screen unbeknownst to me. And with "The Piper" being one of the last movies that he worked on before his disappearance and death, that just makes sitting through this 2023 movie from writer and director Erlingur Thoroddsen all the more special.
The narrative in the movie was okay. I mean, it wasn't a particularly overly scary storyline. But writer Erlingur Thoroddsen put together a fairly entertaining script for the movie, based on the classic tale "The Flautist of Hamelin", but of course in an updated and modern setting. The ending of the movie was, somewhat anti-climatic and felt rather rushed, and that sort of took away from the overall impression of "The Piper".
I wasn't familiar with the cast ensemble, aside from Julian Sands, but I will say that they had an interesting and talented cast ensemble for the various roles and characters in the movie. I had not stumbled upon Charlotte Hope before this movie, but she certainly carried the movie quite nicely with her performance.
Visually then "The Piper" was okay. It was not a movie that relied heavily on an abundance of special effects, which in itself was a good thing. But the special effects that were utilized in the movie worked out well enough, and certainly brought flavor to the overall impression of the movie. However, personally I wished that the Piper creature would have been given more on-screen time, because it was just a shame that it was hardly in the movie. But of course that is a matter of preference, whether or not you want an abundance of screen time for a creature in a movie or not; needless to say that I do enjoy that.
The music throughout the course of the movie was good. And the concerto music that the movie revolved around certainly was haunting and memorable.
I found that "The Piper" was a good attempt at recreating a take on the classic tale, however, the movie ended up being somewhat bland and rather forgettable.
My rating of "The Piper" lands on a five out of ten stars.
But what a surprise I was in for here, I didn't know that the movie was starring Julian Sands. So when he showed up on the screen, imagine my surprise to see my favorite actor popping up on the screen unbeknownst to me. And with "The Piper" being one of the last movies that he worked on before his disappearance and death, that just makes sitting through this 2023 movie from writer and director Erlingur Thoroddsen all the more special.
The narrative in the movie was okay. I mean, it wasn't a particularly overly scary storyline. But writer Erlingur Thoroddsen put together a fairly entertaining script for the movie, based on the classic tale "The Flautist of Hamelin", but of course in an updated and modern setting. The ending of the movie was, somewhat anti-climatic and felt rather rushed, and that sort of took away from the overall impression of "The Piper".
I wasn't familiar with the cast ensemble, aside from Julian Sands, but I will say that they had an interesting and talented cast ensemble for the various roles and characters in the movie. I had not stumbled upon Charlotte Hope before this movie, but she certainly carried the movie quite nicely with her performance.
Visually then "The Piper" was okay. It was not a movie that relied heavily on an abundance of special effects, which in itself was a good thing. But the special effects that were utilized in the movie worked out well enough, and certainly brought flavor to the overall impression of the movie. However, personally I wished that the Piper creature would have been given more on-screen time, because it was just a shame that it was hardly in the movie. But of course that is a matter of preference, whether or not you want an abundance of screen time for a creature in a movie or not; needless to say that I do enjoy that.
The music throughout the course of the movie was good. And the concerto music that the movie revolved around certainly was haunting and memorable.
I found that "The Piper" was a good attempt at recreating a take on the classic tale, however, the movie ended up being somewhat bland and rather forgettable.
My rating of "The Piper" lands on a five out of ten stars.
- paul_haakonsen
- Jan 21, 2024
- Permalink
Nothing special.
Well, The Piper wanted to be a good movie, with its own plot and development, reaching to a nice climax and delivering all that it could.
Sadly it came off as boring and unsatisfactoring, it did try, but never quite delivered a punch. A few swings, some effort, sweat, simply put - unoriginal.
A movie like so many others before it, with a mytical creature, some supernatural elements and that is all. The creature itself makes very few appearences and it's not because it wanted to have that Jaws effect, but because the script didn't know what to do with it. Perhaps it relied on its third act, which does deliver a little but too little too late.
All in all, not a movie I'd recommend, I think it could and should have been better.
Cheers!
Sadly it came off as boring and unsatisfactoring, it did try, but never quite delivered a punch. A few swings, some effort, sweat, simply put - unoriginal.
A movie like so many others before it, with a mytical creature, some supernatural elements and that is all. The creature itself makes very few appearences and it's not because it wanted to have that Jaws effect, but because the script didn't know what to do with it. Perhaps it relied on its third act, which does deliver a little but too little too late.
All in all, not a movie I'd recommend, I think it could and should have been better.
Cheers!
- Patient444
- Jan 20, 2024
- Permalink
Uninspired and very lacking in genuine scares
An uninspired horror film and the last screen appearance of the late Julian Sands, that explores the concept of music as a tool of evil through a reinterpretation of the popular story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin. Unfortunately, it lacks the suspense or imagination necessary to overcome its outdated visual style -unequivocally inspired by the typical mannerisms of 1990s Italian horror- and an alarming lack of effective scares. Furthermore, the Pied Piper's main appearance comes too late and is poorly justified. The most notable aspect, however, is Christopher Young's eerie and omnipresent score.
A harmony of obscured ambitions
This film promises an intriguing blend of horror and music but fails to strike the right chords to create a memorable melody. Directed by Erlingur Thoroddsen, this adaptation of the German legend of the Pied Piper of Hamelin gets lost in predictable passages and clichés, missing the opportunity to build true tension and emotional engagement. At the heart of the story is Melanie, a young composer played by Charlotte Hope, who strives to fulfil her dream in the orchestral world while worrying about her deaf daughter, Zoe. However, when Melanie stumbles upon a mysterious score from a deceased colleague, a chain of dark events unfolds, jeopardising not only her career but also her daughter's life. One of the main challenges of the film is its predictability. From the opening scenes, the direction in which the plot is heading becomes apparent, depriving audiences of the suspense and unexpected twists that characterise great horror works. The dynamics of the characters, though well-performed by actors like Julian Sands and Charlotte Hope, fail to lift the film from its conventional plotlines. Moreover, despite the title suggesting a strong connection between music and horror, this synergy is not fully utilised. While Christopher Young's soundtrack is well-executed and contributes to creating a tense atmosphere, the deep and sinister link between music and evil that could have elevated the film to new heights of terror is missing. Another critical point is the lack of development of the proposed themes. Although the concept of using music as a vehicle for forbidden ideas is intriguing, the film fails to fully explore this possibility, limiting itself to superficial hints that are never fully realised. However, not all is lost in "The Piper". Some visual sequences are well-crafted, with cinematography that creates a dark and unsettling atmosphere. In particular, the design of the Piper himself is fairly successful, although his on-screen moments are too limited to fully appreciate the impact. "The Piper" is a film that promises much but delivers little. While it has some positive elements, such as the performances of the actors and the visual atmosphere, it fails to overcome its fundamental flaws: a predictable plot, underdeveloped characters, and a superficial use of the proposed themes. For more discerning horror enthusiasts, it may be a disappointment.
- gsilecchia
- Apr 19, 2024
- Permalink
Not convinced
- baunacholi-86159
- May 4, 2024
- Permalink
Failed, unscary and superfluous horror attempt
Someone must have thought it a brilliantly original horror-concept: an evil-infested deadly classical concerto. Seriously?? Yes, seriously! As anyone could have guessed beforehand, the idea totally fell flat. To begin with: classical music and horror-movies do not mix well together, each having very different aficionados. To make the pivotal demonic tune sound like an almost angelically innocent ditty didn't really help to evoke the intended creepy apprehension. And after hearing that same little tune for the 67'th time you just want to smother your soundbar!
Most disappointing of all was the bad writing: what a silly, uninspired and chaotic story this is! Apart from Julian Sands, who gave his usual professional performance (this by the way being one of his last pictures), the rest of the small cast didn't really seemed to believe in the project themselves, everyone acts so lackluster and contrived. The final scene presents the usual cliché (the evil hasn't ended...) and thus fits the rest perfectly. In short: a failed, unscary and not even slightly entertaining attempt at making an original (wannabe) horror flick.
Most disappointing of all was the bad writing: what a silly, uninspired and chaotic story this is! Apart from Julian Sands, who gave his usual professional performance (this by the way being one of his last pictures), the rest of the small cast didn't really seemed to believe in the project themselves, everyone acts so lackluster and contrived. The final scene presents the usual cliché (the evil hasn't ended...) and thus fits the rest perfectly. In short: a failed, unscary and not even slightly entertaining attempt at making an original (wannabe) horror flick.
- johannes2000-1
- Apr 22, 2024
- Permalink
"Nothing... Just, Nothing"
While the film scores points with its music details, The Piper isn't more than just a generic horror film.
I've always appreciated a film that has a specific focus on something that's supposed to be a crucial part of the story. In this case, Piper does so with its music. The particular haunting composition at the center of it has an especially haunting and unnerving air to it. Unfortunately the rest of the soundtrack doesn't have that same quality to it. We're given a film where the main focus is actually its only strong point..... Those who know the story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin will at least appreciate that there's a mild nod to it, but it's such a mild part of the movie, replaced instead by a clunky subplot involving a big orchestral performance and some family struggle moments. There was potential for growth, but it was ultimately squandered by the generic and safe approach taken with telling the main story. Plus, a lack of actual character personality makes most of the movie proceed at a sluggish pace.
There's a heavy reliance on jumpscares that just doesn't translate well to the finished product, especially where there were opportunities for visual flair or a stylish means of incorporating the music more heavily into it. Those familiar with the usual tired techniques of cursed things films will find plenty of that here, as well as other bits of yawn-worthy cliche and gimmickry. While there were a few bits of intriguing cinematography, it isn't often enough to warrant proper recommendation..... Acting was also subpar, with Julian Sands being criminally underutilized in his role as conductor Gustafson. There isn't enough visible skill in the performances for anything noteworthy.
The Piper is yet another forgettable film. It's not worth watching, especially with how little it makes use of the music at the center of it.
I've always appreciated a film that has a specific focus on something that's supposed to be a crucial part of the story. In this case, Piper does so with its music. The particular haunting composition at the center of it has an especially haunting and unnerving air to it. Unfortunately the rest of the soundtrack doesn't have that same quality to it. We're given a film where the main focus is actually its only strong point..... Those who know the story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin will at least appreciate that there's a mild nod to it, but it's such a mild part of the movie, replaced instead by a clunky subplot involving a big orchestral performance and some family struggle moments. There was potential for growth, but it was ultimately squandered by the generic and safe approach taken with telling the main story. Plus, a lack of actual character personality makes most of the movie proceed at a sluggish pace.
There's a heavy reliance on jumpscares that just doesn't translate well to the finished product, especially where there were opportunities for visual flair or a stylish means of incorporating the music more heavily into it. Those familiar with the usual tired techniques of cursed things films will find plenty of that here, as well as other bits of yawn-worthy cliche and gimmickry. While there were a few bits of intriguing cinematography, it isn't often enough to warrant proper recommendation..... Acting was also subpar, with Julian Sands being criminally underutilized in his role as conductor Gustafson. There isn't enough visible skill in the performances for anything noteworthy.
The Piper is yet another forgettable film. It's not worth watching, especially with how little it makes use of the music at the center of it.
- sadmansakibayon
- Jun 11, 2024
- Permalink
Waste of time
This movie doesn't make any sense, the story is so bad... For example: a terrible thing happens and everybody just plays along, like nothing happened. And then, 15 minutes later, "oh yeah, something happened, what are we gonna do with that... ahmm, yeah ehh..." The script is stupid, who writes this crap?
The acting is really bad. I liked Julian Sands (RIP) in Warlock and Arachnaphobia, but in this movie he plays not quite convincing, too bad.
I keep on asking myself, why? Why do you write this crap, why do you make a movie at it and why do you want to play a role in such a movie?
Strange business model and no good for the resume of a director, producer, actor or anyone else involved...
The acting is really bad. I liked Julian Sands (RIP) in Warlock and Arachnaphobia, but in this movie he plays not quite convincing, too bad.
I keep on asking myself, why? Why do you write this crap, why do you make a movie at it and why do you want to play a role in such a movie?
Strange business model and no good for the resume of a director, producer, actor or anyone else involved...
The music...
While watching this live I have to admit the storyline was okay, and the actors did the best they could with what they had been given, nothing really special story wise.
Now the music is a completely different thing. If you love music or feel very enchanted by it and you can be inspired by it, then this is the movie for you.
Honestly there was not a moment in this movie that I was no terrified by the beautiful but heartbeat accelerating music.
I was constantly watching over my shoulder trying to see if the piper was there.
The music will bring you into a beautifully constructed scene of terrifying wait, as if something was really going to happen anytime.
The main melody is in every part of the movie and it leads up until the final scene.
I recommend if you are very moved by music.
Now the music is a completely different thing. If you love music or feel very enchanted by it and you can be inspired by it, then this is the movie for you.
Honestly there was not a moment in this movie that I was no terrified by the beautiful but heartbeat accelerating music.
I was constantly watching over my shoulder trying to see if the piper was there.
The music will bring you into a beautifully constructed scene of terrifying wait, as if something was really going to happen anytime.
The main melody is in every part of the movie and it leads up until the final scene.
I recommend if you are very moved by music.
- catasanchez-16267
- Mar 20, 2024
- Permalink
A solid, tension filled horror possible spoilers.
Solid supernatural horror
I didn't think too much about watching this one especially after I saw the late great Julian Sands name on the poster. It is a classic horror story with a twist and a few Lovecraftian overtones that will please the fans of the king of cosmic horror. The movie starts at a steady pace by laying down the story and various players, quite atmospheric at times and tries to keep the mystery in check for as long as possible. After a while, the plot becomes apparent but this does not hurt the pace and there are a few surprises in store. The ending was a bit too "happy" and convenient for its own good, but overall this was a good movie that tries to honor older horror movies while keeping in touch with the present. Not a masterpiece but a solid effort that makes up an entertaining watch for horror fans.
A lot of potential but...
Julian sands did okay as the deranged composer but Charlotte Hope dropped the ball as a main actress... she was terrible. Her facial expressions and reactions were amateur at best. However her dialogue and improve was good... it's weird a potentially good actress who cannot act... maybe it's just the way it's written but they should've had a coach to walk her through her expressions. Even if they had to be as tedious as rehearsing each reaction immediately prior to filming the scene. So much potential and what's more is I just finished watching strangers chapter 1 which was picked up by lionsgate... that movie was actually worse than "The Piper" so with the right production this movie could've actually been a really good movie... I gave them a B for effort and potential but an F on execution and acting... concept was great but the casting was horrific and not in the great horror movie way.
- NYCsOwnPiTO
- Jul 1, 2024
- Permalink
Hackneyed but still watchable
The Piper takes the fairy tale of the Pied Piper of Hamlin and creates a modern supernatural story that is mostly psychological horror, but in its third act, it unleashes some bloody horror, and just enough.
The overall story and plot is rather standard and hackneyed in terms of plot points and characters that are just recycled from typical ways to make a scary movie. Acting, unfortunately, is undermined by the lack of depth in the script versus ability of the actors. Set in an orchestra, we have the narcissistic Maestro conductor, self-serving musicians fighting for the spotlight, and meeker parties wanting to have their share to shine. Outside of this, there are children because the villan needs something to hunt.
While this isn't groundbreaking, The Piper does certain elements well enough that overall I found the film to be entertaining. Most of the standard tropes are okay enough for it to be a "good" bad film. And production quality and sound design are better than the norm.
The Piper takes its time to establish it's story, building on the psychological horror and thriller elements. By the end, the film creates enough of a thriller atmosphere and third period horror to enjoy the warch. There is enough here, even with the limitations presented, that I did want to see how things were going to happen and resolve itself.
The overall story and plot is rather standard and hackneyed in terms of plot points and characters that are just recycled from typical ways to make a scary movie. Acting, unfortunately, is undermined by the lack of depth in the script versus ability of the actors. Set in an orchestra, we have the narcissistic Maestro conductor, self-serving musicians fighting for the spotlight, and meeker parties wanting to have their share to shine. Outside of this, there are children because the villan needs something to hunt.
While this isn't groundbreaking, The Piper does certain elements well enough that overall I found the film to be entertaining. Most of the standard tropes are okay enough for it to be a "good" bad film. And production quality and sound design are better than the norm.
The Piper takes its time to establish it's story, building on the psychological horror and thriller elements. By the end, the film creates enough of a thriller atmosphere and third period horror to enjoy the warch. There is enough here, even with the limitations presented, that I did want to see how things were going to happen and resolve itself.
- jmbovan-47-160173
- Jul 28, 2024
- Permalink
An acceptable chiller with mysterious and terrifying events happening to a orchestra.
A passable supernatural and chilling thriller with terror , intrigue , twists , turns and lots of imaginative special effects. When a musician, Mel (Charlotte Hope), is tasked by his musical conductor (Julian Sands) with finishing her late mentor's concerto, she soon discovers that playing the music summons deadly consequences, leading her to uncover the disturbing origins of the melody and an evil that has awakened. At first, she assumes her assignment but soon discovers fateful consequences. In one moment, she experiences the incredible wonder imagination, and in the next, the horrific nature of her night terrors. To save her daughter Zoe (Aoibhe O'Flanagan) Mel embarks on a dangerous hunt to uncover the truth behind the terrible nightmares and a monstrous being that is followed by absorbed children. This is beyond you wildest nightmare ! .
¨The Piper¨ is a journey through the terror, possession, dreams and fears of a young classical music performer in which our starring discovers a deadly tune. It results to be a mix of horror, fantasy and drama. The creepy goods are delivered by ¨The Piper¨ who's projected into reality and often materializes in a horrible and deadly monster.
Charlotte Hope (The Nun) and Julian Sands (A Room With a View) star in this horror film that subverts the fable of the Pied Piper of Hamelin. Charlotte Hope gives an agreeable acting as the young composer who is commissioned to complete the third movement of her late mentor's score left unfinished and discovers that playing those musical notes carries deadly repercussions . While Julian Sands -in his posthumous film- plays overacting, a demanding and cruel composer who will stop at nothing to get the aforementioned score. It contains adequate cinematography with plenty of darkness by Daniel Katz. As well as thrilling, frightening and suspenseful musical score by composer Christopher Young who's an expert on sinister atmosphere as proved in: The Tall Man, Drag Me to Hell, Sinister , Untraceable, The Uninvited, The Ghost Maker, Dominion and several others , The motion picture was uneven but professionally directed by Erlingur Thoroddsen. This Icelandic filmmaker has made other terror films, such as: Kuldi, Rökkur, Child Eater, Patient Seven. Rating: 5.5/10. The Piper is a creepy, claustrophobic and scary low- budget horror movie that will satisfy the not very demanding lovers of the genre.
The Pied Piper of Hamelin (also known as the Pan Piper or the Rat-Catcher of Hamelin) is the title character of a legend from the town of Hamelin (Hameln), Lower Saxony, Germany. When a medieval town overwhelmed by rats, the citizens hire a magical piper who can rid the town of the pest in exchange for gold but the crooked mayor has no intention of honoring the deal . The Pied Piper uses his musical talents to lure the pesky rodents away from a small German town. The legend dates back to the Middle Ages, the earliest references describing a piper, dressed in multicolored ("pied") clothing, who was a rat catcher hired by the town to lure rats away with his magic pipe. When the citizens refuse to pay for this service as promised, he retaliates by using his instrument's magical power on their children, leading them away as he had the rats. This version of the story spread as folklore and has appeared in the writings of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the Brothers Grimm, and Robert Browning, among others. The phrase "pied piper" has become a metaphor for a person who attracts a following through charisma or false promises. There are many contradictory theories about the Pied Piper. Some suggest he was a symbol of hope to the people of Hamelin, which had been attacked by plague; he drove the rats from Hamelin, saving the people from the epidemic. A number of theories suggest that children died of some natural causes such as disease or starvation, and that the Piper was a symbolic figure of Death. Analogous themes which are associated with this theory include the Dance of Death, Totentanz or Danse Macabre, a common medieval trope.
¨The Piper¨ is a journey through the terror, possession, dreams and fears of a young classical music performer in which our starring discovers a deadly tune. It results to be a mix of horror, fantasy and drama. The creepy goods are delivered by ¨The Piper¨ who's projected into reality and often materializes in a horrible and deadly monster.
Charlotte Hope (The Nun) and Julian Sands (A Room With a View) star in this horror film that subverts the fable of the Pied Piper of Hamelin. Charlotte Hope gives an agreeable acting as the young composer who is commissioned to complete the third movement of her late mentor's score left unfinished and discovers that playing those musical notes carries deadly repercussions . While Julian Sands -in his posthumous film- plays overacting, a demanding and cruel composer who will stop at nothing to get the aforementioned score. It contains adequate cinematography with plenty of darkness by Daniel Katz. As well as thrilling, frightening and suspenseful musical score by composer Christopher Young who's an expert on sinister atmosphere as proved in: The Tall Man, Drag Me to Hell, Sinister , Untraceable, The Uninvited, The Ghost Maker, Dominion and several others , The motion picture was uneven but professionally directed by Erlingur Thoroddsen. This Icelandic filmmaker has made other terror films, such as: Kuldi, Rökkur, Child Eater, Patient Seven. Rating: 5.5/10. The Piper is a creepy, claustrophobic and scary low- budget horror movie that will satisfy the not very demanding lovers of the genre.
The Pied Piper of Hamelin (also known as the Pan Piper or the Rat-Catcher of Hamelin) is the title character of a legend from the town of Hamelin (Hameln), Lower Saxony, Germany. When a medieval town overwhelmed by rats, the citizens hire a magical piper who can rid the town of the pest in exchange for gold but the crooked mayor has no intention of honoring the deal . The Pied Piper uses his musical talents to lure the pesky rodents away from a small German town. The legend dates back to the Middle Ages, the earliest references describing a piper, dressed in multicolored ("pied") clothing, who was a rat catcher hired by the town to lure rats away with his magic pipe. When the citizens refuse to pay for this service as promised, he retaliates by using his instrument's magical power on their children, leading them away as he had the rats. This version of the story spread as folklore and has appeared in the writings of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the Brothers Grimm, and Robert Browning, among others. The phrase "pied piper" has become a metaphor for a person who attracts a following through charisma or false promises. There are many contradictory theories about the Pied Piper. Some suggest he was a symbol of hope to the people of Hamelin, which had been attacked by plague; he drove the rats from Hamelin, saving the people from the epidemic. A number of theories suggest that children died of some natural causes such as disease or starvation, and that the Piper was a symbolic figure of Death. Analogous themes which are associated with this theory include the Dance of Death, Totentanz or Danse Macabre, a common medieval trope.
Throwback to 80s horror
- DragonMaul
- Jul 27, 2024
- Permalink